Background and Purpose

The plan focuses on bicycle, pedestrian, and greenway routes and trails, setting the stage for implementation of a County-wide multi-use trail system. These trails will link parks, schools, municipalities, cultural points of interest, and residential areas within Harnett County, and will be designed to connect to surrounding counties. The goal is to develop a community-supported plan that can be successfully implemented through a capital improvement plan as well as through programmatic strategies and operations.

Planning Process

The planning process includes input from the public, direction from a project steering committee, and presentations of the draft and final plans. The public input phase included comments from more than 850 county residents and visitors.
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    Plan Comments

Trails and Economic Development

More than 140 studies have shown the benefits of trails and greenways. Findings include:
  • "Trails can generate business impacts and create new jobs by attracting visitors, especially overnight visitors.
  • Local trail users often use community trails multiple times per week, and trails are a valuable part of residents’ quality of life.
  • Trails are often associated with higher property value, especially when a trail is designed to provide neighborhood access and maintain residents’ privacy.
  • Trails are associated with increased physical activity and improved public health, especially in rural places without other safe places to exercise."
  • A recent study by NCDOT found that, on average, every $1.00 of trail construction in North Carolina supports $1.72 annually from local business revenue, sales tax revenue, and benefits related to health and transportation.

Steering Committee and Stakeholders

The plan is guided by a Steering Committee representing a range of perspectives, and will draw upon a large group of stakeholders for input throughout the process, including, but not limited to:
  • Representatives from Harnett County Parks and Recreation, Planning Services, County Manager’s Office, GIS, Community Relations, Health Department, School District, Economic Development, Planning Board, Parks and Rec Advisory Committee, and Board of Commissioners.
  • Representatives from Angier, Coats, Dunn, Erwin, and Lillington
  • The North Carolina Department of Transportation
  • Regional planning agencies (CAMPO, FAMPO, and Mid Carolina RPO)
  • Campbell University and Carolina Central Community College
  • NC State Parks/Raven Rock State Park
  • The East Coast Greenway Alliance
  • Dunn Area Tourism Authority
  • Harnett Health Foundation
  • The Conservation Fund of North Carolina
  • Local trail advocates, business leaders, and developers
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